Color Your World with reading at Mary Cotton Public Library

Add a splash of color to your summer with Mary Cotton Public Library’s Summer Reading program. MCPL will host a variety of events and activities that support the program’s theme of “Color Our World.”

Readers of all ages can explore working together during this summer’s reading program. The program runs May 19 to July 28, with regular programming running May 27 through the end of June. Summer Reading is a great way to keep children engaged, maintain skills over the summer and encourage learning and growth through reading and new experiences. It’s free for children of all ages to participate.

Reading Challenges

Readers are divided into three age groups (age zero through second grade, third through fifth grade and sixth through 12th grade). Each age group has a goal to inspire reading all summer long. Children must read and log the specified number of books. Everyone who completes their first goal will receive a prize from the MCPL prize box. Upon completion of the second goal, participants will receive a free ice cream cone. Upon completion of their third reading goal, participants will receive a free personal pan pizza. After completing their first three goals, participants can work toward subsequent goals and earn tickets to put into a prize drawing. Some of the “ticket prizes” include items and gift cards donated by area individuals and businesses. Be on the lookout for the list of ticket prizes, which will be posted in the library and online once it is finalized.

Weekly Programs

Mark your calendars for a full schedule of events this summer! Regular programming will run through the month of June and conclude with a special Summer Reading Celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28.

Storytime: 10 a.m. Tuesdays — Storytime will be led by the youth librarian, Sheri Edelman. Storytime is geared to Pre-K, but all ages are welcome.

Picnic in the Park: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays — Bring your lunch, chairs and blankets and enjoy a special themed program. 

Explore and Crafting: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays — Learn a bit of trivia and create a craft. These sessions are designed for elementary students who just completed second grade and up. 

Other Events

Summer Reading Kick-off in the Park: 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, featuring Sabetha High School teacher, Brian Rieschick. 

STEAM Lessons with Brown County Extension Office: 10 a.m., Mondays in June — The Brown County Extension Office will send an intern to MCPL to present a STEAM activity for school age children. The list of activities will be announced at a later date. Sign up in the library. 

Summer Reading Celebration: 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 28. To conclude the summer reading program, Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library is sponsoring a celebration that includes food vendors, games and fun. Drawings for the summer reading ticket prizes will be held at this free event. 

Presentation: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2: Heller Martial Arts will present a demonstration. All ages welcome.

Registration 

Registration for “Color Our World” opens Monday, May 19. It is free and open to children ages 0-18. Sign up online at www.sabethalibrary.org/summer-reading or in person at the library, 915 Virginia Street. All programs are free of charge.

For more information, visit the MCPL website at www.sabethalibrary.org/summer-reading, email info@sabethalibrary.org, follow @MaryCottonPublicLibrary on Facebook and Instagram, visit in person at 915 Virginia Street or call 785-284-3160. 

The library’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.